skills gap

JTL announces new Chair and CEO

JTL, one of the leading apprenticeship providers in the building services engineering sector in England and Wales, has announced the appointment of both a new Chair, Sir John Low, and a new CEO, Chris Claydon. Sir John Low joined JTL in his new role on 1st November 2022. John brings with him over 20 years of experience in a commercial background of technology and engineering, as well as extensive periods in the charity sector as Chief Executive…

SELECT warns that skills shortages could create challenges for green heating plans

Scotland’s largest construction trade body, SELECT, has warned that “significant investment” is needed to ensure there is a sufficiently skilled workforce to install new domestic heating technology and meet net zero targets safely. The campaigning electrical association says investment in “proper” apprenticeships and upskilling the existing workforce is essential – and it’s also vital to upgrade the nation’s electrical supply to accommodate green domestic technology. SELECT’s warnings came after it responded to…

Six apprentices start roles at Oldham housing association

Six apprentices have joined First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) in a variety of apprenticeship roles, as it commits to creating employment opportunities for local people. The new intake comprises Jordan Kemp, Panashe Sharaunga, Baillie McLoughlin, Will Meredith, Illan Cooke and Ruhan Hussain into the roles of one electrician, two joiners and three plumbers respectively. The new recruits, aged 17-22, live across Oldham and the surrounding boroughs, and are part of…

Engineering services business survey: firms hunt for the right people to aid bounce back

The latest quarterly Building Engineering Business Survey, conducted by leading electrotechnical trade body ECA in partnership with BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF, reveals an expected bounce back for the sector in Q2. Materials shortages and cash flow continue to affect the sector. But recruiting and retaining the right calibre of staff is now the biggest curb on business growth. A rise in apprenticeship recruitment shows a recognition that investing in people…

IET comments on reports of UK tech talent shortage

Dr Graham Herries, co-chair of Innovation and Skills at the IET, said: “It is a huge concern to see a talent shortage within our technology sector and employers need to recognise that they play a significant role in addressing the skills gaps that they face – by recruiting more apprentices and re-training existing staff, as well as utilising the apprenticeship levy to address demand. The importance of engaging with local…